Aviation News
Bombardier Celebrates Twins -300th Learjet 45 and 300th Learjet 60 Business Jets
Wichita, Kan., June 15, 2006
Bombardier Aerospace today announced two major milestones for its legendary Learjet program: the manufacture of the 300th Learjet 45 and the 300th Learjet 60 aircraft, both leaders in their respective categories.
A U.S.-based distributor of agricultural products accepted the 300th
Learjet 45 super-light jet, while an operator based in Finland
accepted the 300th Learjet 60 midsize aircraft. Both delivery
ceremonies took place at the site where Bill Lear revolutionized aviation
by designing and building the world’s first true business jet
some 44 years ago.
Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier has carried on the
proud Learjet legacy by launching eight high-performance Learjet
models, the most recent being the new
Learjet 60 XR, currently
in a comprehensive flight test and certification program.
“Sixteen years ago, Bombardier made a commitment to invest in
new Learjet aircraft programs. This twin delivery milestone is
a testament to the wisdom of that vision and to the enduring popularity
of the legendary Learjet business jet,” said Mike Kanaley,
vice-president and general manager, Learjet. “Our current family,
the Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR and Learjet 60 XR,
is the best Learjet line-up to date and combines superior performance
and range.”
Launched in 1992, the powerful and proven Learjet
45 aircraft flies faster
and farther, with more passengers. This eight-to-nine passenger jet
provides enhanced fuel efficiency, strong reliability and built-in maintainability.
Introduced in 2002, the Bombardier
Learjet 45 XR aircraft
delivers impressive time-to-climb performance and faster high-speed
cruise at all altitudes with superior hot and high performance. The
Learjet 45 XR aircraft is certified to fly up to 51,000 feet
(15,454 m), above traffic congestion and inclement weather.
Launched in 1990, the Learjet
60 aircraft delivers transcontinental range, outstanding climb capabilities,
sophisticated systems and proven, fuel-efficient engines. The option-rich
Special Edition Learjet 60,
currently in production, quickly established itself as the best equipped
midsize jet.
Its successor, the next generation Bombardier
Learjet 60 XR aircraft was launched at NBAA in November 2005. It
features an advanced cockpit and a stand-up cabin redesigned for style,
comfort, and functionality. Its highlights include a wide aisle, generous
seated head and shoulder room, LED lighting throughout the cabin, and
four executive seating floor plans.
The Learjet 60 XR aircraft
successfully executed a rigorous two-hour, 20-minute first flight on
April 3, 2006 and is currently in a flight test and certification program.
Certification of the flight deck by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
is expected in the third quarter of 2006,
with certification by Transport Canada and the European Aviation Safety
Agency expected shortly thereafter. The first Learjet
60 XR aircraft is slated to enter service in the first quarter of
2007.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions,
from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment,
Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its
revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion
U.S. and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).
News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Learjet 45, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60, Special Edition Learjet
60, and Learjet
60 XR are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, Communications
514-969-5181
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com
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